COVID-19-Related Perceived Threat Following a Second Dose Vaccination in Adults with Chronic Illness: A Mixed-Method Study

BACKGROUND: In patients with comorbidities such as chronic illness, the severity and mortality risk of the disease (COVID-19) are high. Even if they are fully vaccinated, they should follow all precautions for unvaccinated people because the vaccine may not provide them complete protection. As a result, understanding their response to a threat is essential because knowing their threat level can be a good predictor of behavioral changes and health-protective behaviors. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional mixed-method study design was used at the University of Gondar specialized hospital from May 1 to June 30, 2021. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for the quantitative, and tape recorders, field notes, and memos were properly taken during the in-depth interviews for the qualitative data. Multivariable logistic regression with consideration of adjusted odds ratio of 95% confidence interval and p-value of 0.05% was used for statistical significance. RESULTS: The study enrolled 239 people, with a 96% response rate, ranging from 24 to 67 years, with the majority (57.9%) male. Even after receiving the second dose of AstraZeneca, nearly half (46.5%) of participants with a chronic illness perceived a threat to COVID-19. The participant’s age ranges from 24 to 34 years [3.24 (AOR= 3.24 (95% CI: 1.08, 9.68))], patients who are student [2.38 (AOR= 2.38 (95% CI: 1.12, 5.06))], participants applying the recommended behavioral response [2.36 (AOR=2.36 (95% CI: 1.16, 4.81))] and duration of illness ranged from four to six-year [3.17 (AOR=3.17 (95% CI (1.05, 9.58))] were statistically associated with perceived threat. CONCLUSION: Most people with chronic illnesses do not see the disease as a threat. Particular emphasis should be placed on creating awareness programs and disseminating information through media on prevention, and ongoing health education is strongly advisable.